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Out and About: Out N About
Indoor Summer Fun
Now that summer has arrived, temperatures are rising. While hanging out by the pool or visiting the park can still be nice, things can heat up pretty fast. If you’re looking to escape the three digit mercury readings, here are some suggestions for local fun in the great (air conditioned) indoors.
Pole Position Raceway
Challenge your friends to a couple of laps around the track in a Formula EK20 electric kart and enjoy some fast paced family fun. Put the pedal to the metal and feel the need for speed! Visit www.polepositionraceway.com for info.
CSI: The Experience
Test your inner sleuth with the whole family at this interactive exhibit at the MGM Grand that’s based on the hit TV show. The experience features murder scenes, crime labs and other forensic challenges. Visit www.mgmgrand.com for info.
DaVinci – The Genius
This stunning exploration of the legendary artist comes to life at The Venetian through an interactive experience with full scale interpretations of his inventions and unparalleled exhibits of his masterworks. Visit www.venetian.com for info.
Old West Musical Revue
Take a trip back in time at Bonnie Springs with this vaudeville style show full of belly laughs, old time music and grand entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your appetite for the chuck wagon dinner! Visit www.oldwestmusical.com for info.
The Mob Museum
Explore the history of organized crime in America from both sides of the law as you tour through this expansive, detailed account of the mob’s legacy, including their rise and fall in our very own Las Vegas. Visit www.themobmuseum.org for info.
Hitting the Books
Did you know that by reading for just 20 minutes per day over the summer, children of all ages dramatically improve their comprehension? On the flip side, students who skip summer reading may find themselves losing up to 20 percent of the knowledge and skills gained during the previous year, a setback known as the “summer slide.” To help combat this downturn, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Foundation hopes to recruit children from across the valley into its Toddlers to Teens Summer Reading Program to help keep eager young minds active.
Librarians have provided reading lists for all age groups while encouraging families to enroll their kids in the program in order to qualify for prizes in different age levels such as rubber duckies, board books, gold medals, gift cards and even a Sony eReader. Help the little ones in your life discover the joy of reading and sign them up for the Summer Reading Program on line or at your neighborhood branch library. Visit www.lvccld.org for registration and more info.
Ocean Blue
2 oz. rock candy syrup
6 oz. fresh lemon sour
1 oz. DeKyuper blueberry schnapps
3 oz. Hpnotiq liqueur
2 oz. Stoli Blueberri vodka
2 oz. Bacardi Razz rum
Gummi Sharks
Dry ice
Add all ingredients into a shaker. Add dry ice to the bottom of a glass goblet. Add ice, mix Gummi Sharks into ice and pour cocktail over ice. Add more Gummi Sharks on top.
Recipe courtesy of Sugar Factory.
Did You Know?
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, longtime friends and founding fathers, both died on the Fourth of July in 1826 within several hours of each other. Allegedly, the last words Adams spoke were, “Thomas Jefferson lives,” unaware that Jefferson had died before him.
The Must Do List
Editor’s Picks
July 13
K.D. Lang and the Siss Boom Bang
The Smith Center continues its exemplary showcase of great entertainment with this performance by Grammy winning singer-songwriter K.D. Lang and her new band, the Siss Boom Bang. This incredible evening of music spans Lang’s entire career, from classics such as “Constant Craving” to songs from her new album, Sing it Loud, Lang’s first record made entirely with a band of her own since her early days with the Reclines. With influences that span everything from pop and country to jazz and blues, there’s something to entice fans of any musical genre. Along with opening act The Milk Carton Kids, this concert is sure to be one to remember. Call 982-7805 or visit www.thesmithcenter.com for tickets and more information.
July 28 & August 18
Music on the Mountain
When the mercury starts to peak and the Strip gets too crowded with summer tourists, escape up to Lee Canyon for this concert series presented by the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks and tag along with the whole family for some musical fun in the fresh mountain air. “Guitarmageddon” plays on July 28th, featuring amazing finger picking acts such as Guitar Shorty, Chris Bell and Stoney Curtis. The sounds kick up again on August 28th with a rock and roll and zydeco extravaganza featuring Porterhouse Bob & Down to the Bone, Blues Storm, the Howlin’ Hounds and more. While you’re here, you can even treat yourself to a scenic chairlift ride! Visit www.skilasvegas.com for tickets and more information.
July 11-28
Oliver!
Relax under the stars at Spring Mountain Ranch as Super Summer Theatre presents this musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. A young orphan remains diligent and optimistic in a world filled with sorrow in this spirited coming of age tale filled with delightful songs, quirky characters and heartwarming fun for all ages. The outdoor tradition continues in August with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Call 594-7529 or visit www.supersummertheatre.org for tickets and more information.
July 13-22
NBA Summer League
Las Vegas may not have its own professional basketball team, but local fans can still see some of the NBA’s top players shine thanks to this summer game series held at the Thomas & Mack Center. Twenty-four teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and more will compete in a 60 game schedule featuring thirteen of the top fourteen picks in this year’s NBA draft. Get your tickets in time for tip-off and don’t miss a moment of the action! Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.
August 5
World Football Challenge 2012
It may be known as “soccer” in the United States, but to the rest of the world, it’s football. Las Vegas fans can now experience some of the thrilling European sports action at this exciting event as recently crowned La Liga champions Real Madrid take on Italy’s Juventus Football Club in this epic match at Sam Boyd Stadium, part of Real Madrid’s U.S. preseason tour. Gear up in your favorite colors and watch the best of the best take the field. Call 739-FANS or visit www.unlvtickets.com for tickets and more information.
SUMMER FUN
Springs Preserve Events
There are plenty of cool things happening this summer at the Springs Preserve (www.springspreserve.org), and we’re not just talking about air conditioning. Don’t miss out on these exciting exhibits and events:
Envenomators: The Venemous Snakes of North America
This exhibit, which runs through September 16th, tells the story of four venomous snakes indigenous to North America: Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Coral and Rattlesnake. Visitors will explore the secret lives of these unique and venomous beauties, learning all about the benefits they provide to the natural world and the startling misconceptions these intriguing creatures have earned through fear rather than facts.
Bugs!
New to the Big Springs Theater, this show runs from July 16th to August 31st and explores the creepy crawly things of the Mojave that love to hiss, sting and slither. The show features all manner of insects, arachnids and invertebrates such as the desert tarantula, bark scorpion and centipede. Get up close – or don’t! – and find out why our desert could not survive without them.
Summer Camps
Skip the daycare and explore 180 acres of summer fun at one of the Springs Preserve’s many day camps, running now through August 24th. Campers will learn about nature, archaeology, animals, plants and more and will even get to do a little swimming at the neighboring YMCA. Activities are led by education specialists and field experts to give campers a unique and educational experience that makes for a great summer memory.
CHARITY
Winder Farms Goes Pink for the Cure
The fight to raise money and awareness for breast cancer is a constant battle, but it’s a battle that has found another ally. Winder Farms, Las Vegas’ “Farmer’s Market on Wheels,” will make a donation to Susan B. Komen for the Cure for every container of their Strawberry Milk sold between now and October 31st to help with breast cancer screening, treatment programs and research. To remind customers of the charitable initiative, labels on the 16oz. and half gallon bottles will now feature the Susan G. Komen for the Cure pink ribbon.
“This is one more way for Winder Farms to help the community and it is our hope that this fundraiser makes it easy for our customers to give back,” said Tyler Wallis, marketing director for Winder Farms. “It also seems like a natural fit since our Strawberry Milk is a wonderful shade of pink, the symbolic color for the organization and the fight against breast cancer.” To place an order or for more information, visit www.winderfarms.com.
VOLUNTEERING
American Cancer Society Seeks Drivers
Cancer affects the lives of thousands of people across Las Vegas, many of whom don’t have readily available transportation to and from their own treatment. The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program is changing that by providing round trip rides to cancer treatment for patients who don’t have the means to get around. While the program is already in place, only twenty-five drivers have enrolled so far, and with over 100 needed to meet current demands, the call for help is going out wide.
“We’re in desperate need of volunteers,” says Debra Armstrong, Quality of Life Manager in Las Vegas. “It’s the perfect opportunity for students, members of retirement communities or anyone with just a few hours a week to to step forward.” Any driver with a valid license, proof of insurance and a safe, reliable vehicle can participate and help those suffering from this terrible disease get the care they so desperately need. Contact Debra Armstrong at 891-9023 for more information.
